Beck #2

[Stuart]

There are two mines up on the mountain just to the NW of the headframe. The first one has a large vertical shaft and the second looks like there was an adit there, but has since caved in. Were heading back this weekend to check some things out. I found 6 openings around Eureka that look like they might be worthwhile before the closures start.

I am thinking that the large vertical shaft you found is the source of all the air blasting out of the open adit below. I am also pretty sure that the second adit that you found has not caved in, it was backfilled like all the rest of the openings in that area. An old friend of mine tells me that with any luck and some volunteers many of those backfilled adits can be dug open in a days work. The Beck #2 opening that we have been using has been dug open at least twice so far and its likely to be buried again within the next few years.

In any case I would still recommend caution and I'd take as many pictures as you can while exploring what is still open. You never know when they will actually do a good job and use cement and a backhoe.